Resources and Guidance
Download our resources and guidance
resources and guidance
There are a number of resources and guidance documents below to assist clubs and leagues in achieving and maintaining The FA Charter Standard accreditation. Please feel free to download any of these resources at the bottom of this page.
Our new Respect campaign called 'We only do positive' helps clubs & leagues to create the best possible safe, fun and inclusive environment for players, on and off the pitch. Follow the link below to get access to resources including codes of conduct.
Any club can get the support they need to apply for FA Charter Standard accreditation. FA Charter Standard accreditation demonstrates how clubs, leagues, volunteers, parents and players play their part in providing fun, safe and inclusive football opportunities for all.
As a minimum clubs must be affiliated to a County FA and have at least one team playing in an FA sanctioned league.
What criteria must clubs meet?
The criteria are outlined within the application form. There are different criteria for both. It also has some relevant differences for the Youth and Adult game. Broadly the criteria are based around having the following in place:
- Code of conduct and operational policies
- Coaching qualifications (Youth only)
- Links, Pathways & Development Plans
These criteria are designed to make clubs in the best place possible to play and enjoy football.
Higher levels of accreditation are available to clubs who offer above the minimum criteria. Clubs who achieve Community or Development status are given access to greater levels of support, benefits and equipment.
What criteria should leagues meet?
The precise criteria to become an FA Charter Standard League is identified as part of your County FA meeting or forum. Broadly leagues are required to meet the following objectives:
- 60% of registered teams are members of FA Charter Standard clubs
- Demonstrate support for new teams to achieve FA Charter Standard status
- Supporting and implementing The FA’s Respect campaign
- Having a league referees’ officer
- Demonstrate active link to another league to support player development and transitional pathways
- After 3 years, have a minimum of 85% teams as members of FA Charter Standard clubs
Working together with your County FA, we help make sure you are delivering the best offer possible for players to play in a safe, fun and inclusive environment and support for the people who help run your teams
Clubs should contact your local County FA to apply for FA Charter Standard status.
Clubs work in partnership with County FAs to demonstrate and work toward meeting the accreditation criteria. Help and support is available from our team of experienced staff.
Clubs and County FAs will work together to complete an FA Charter Standard application form. Then your County FA will review your application and supporting evidence with a number of experienced individuals within the game. If a club meets the criteria they are awarded a relevant level of accreditation. Support is available to help clubs meet the standard.
The criteria are outlined within the application form. There are different criteria for both. It also has some relevant differences for the Youth and Adult game. Broadly the criteria are based around having the following in place:
- Code of conduct and operational policies
- Coaching qualifications (Youth only)
- Links, Pathways & Development Plans
These criteria are designed to make clubs in the best place possible to play and enjoy football.
Higher levels of accreditation are available to clubs who offer above the minimum criteria. Clubs who achieve Community or Development status are given access to greater levels of support, benefits and equipment.
The benefits are many and varied. Some are tangible and some intangible, but no less valuable.
Tangible benefits:
- Free tickets (upon application) for England youth and women’s internationals
- Invitations to local in-service events
- Access to administrative support sessions
- Support with funding applications
- New FA Charter Standard clubs also receive:
- An official FA plaque and certificate
- Resources to help promote the club
- £100 worth of official FA Nike matchballs (FA Charter Standard Youth and Adult Clubs)
- £150 worth of official FA Nike matchballs (FA Charter Standard Development Clubs)
- £200 worth of official FA Nike matchballs (FA Charter Standard Community Clubs)
- Opportunity to become Nike Partner Club (FA Charter Standard Development and Community Clubs)
Intangible benefits:
Overall, FA Charter Standard status is a clear demonstration to all parents, sponsors and the public, that a club (or league):
- Is well-organised, safe and offers opportunities for all
- Has FA-qualified coaches as standard
- Adheres to FA Respect Policies and Codes of Conduct
- Prioritises Child Welfare
- Maintains appropriate levels of discipline
- Has access to the County FA and FA regional workforces
- Can use the coveted FA ‘Three Lions’ FA crest on its marketing and business materials
Leagues should contact Cheshire FA to register an interest in achieving FA Charter Standard status. This is done by completing an FA Charter Standard League Registration form.
We will organise a meeting or invite you to one of our league workshops where we can help audit and assess your league. As part of this meeting we will identify outstanding objectives against the criteria and help leagues work toward meeting these.
